About Us

Kathryn Baer

CEO, Co-Founder

Kathryn is an experienced researcher and analyst in the nonprofit sector. Prior to Prova Lab, she was the Programs & Partnership Manager at Impact Hub, San Francisco. Previously, she was a Co-founder of the Trafficking Research Project — the first policy research organization in Singapore dedicated to human trafficking. With specializations in violence against women and human trafficking, she previously worked at Polaris in the US, and Anti-Slavery International in the UK. She also served on the Board of the Family Violence Law Center in Oakland. Kathryn has an MSc in Social Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and double majored in Political Science and International Affairs at James Madison University. While based in San Francisco, she’s frequently putting her passport to good use.

Helke Ramos

Director of Partnerships, Co-Founder

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Helke is a trained architect & designer with a certification from the Institute for Sustainability Leadership, University of Cambridge. Her 20+ year career is built on creating live events using sustainability methods, as well as working on events aimed at promoting environmental education. Her previous business, Zada Sustainable Creation, was the first event company in Brazil to receive an environmental certification. Helke has executed events in Brazil, Portugal, the UK, Liechtenstein and the US. She received the 2008 InfoComm/LSA Stage Events Award for Most Innovative Use of Technology for an Outdoor Event: a city-wide festival featuring a floating, 165 ft high, Christmas Tree on Lagoa Da Pampulha, Brazil. Helke is also an enthusiastic trail runner with a great passion for the environment, people’s well being, animals and sustainability.

Alec Fernandes

Web Developer

Alec is a freelance web developer and holds a degree in journalism from San Francisco State University. To learn more about his work, visit his portfolio here or feel free to contact him directly at al@fern.haus.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Christine Lim

Director of Business Development and Operations, Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Christine spearheads the Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s professional advisor engagement strategy, and builds relationships with existing and prospective donors. Previously, Christine worked in development at the East Bay Community Foundation, client services at RGP, and as VP of Financial Consulting & Client Services at Charles Schwab. Christine has an MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and a BS in Economics from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Dedicated to helping underserved communities achieve their financial goals, she has served on the Board of the San Francisco Adoptee Mentor Program, volunteered as a Financial Coach at the San Francisco Homeless Prenatal Center Program, and participated in the San Francisco Aids Marathon Training Program. Her personal interests include soccer, playing tennis, picking up new hobbies and spending time with her loved ones.

Rick Roberts

Professor, University of San Francisco (USF)

Rick is an educator with 30+ years of experience in academic and professional contexts. Since 1993, he has served on the faculty at USF, where he has been recognized for his teaching. This includes receiving USF’s Outstanding Lecturer Award. In addition to his work with students, he has taught workshops and seminars offered by Instructional Technology Services and by the Center for Teaching Excellence to the University’s faculty. His academic training and areas of interest are in Communications, Performing Arts, Learning Theory, and Instructional Design. In addition to his courses, Rick conducts USF’s contemporary vocal ensembles and enjoys working with other musicians outside of the academy. Additionally, Rick is a member of The Partnership for Safe Medicines’ Advisory Board.

Robyn Hoogendam

Research Coordinator, Women’s Shelters Canada
PhD Candidate, School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University

Robyn’s thesis is concerned with the implementation of accountability requirements within Canadian federal funding programs and the impact on nonprofit organizations. Prior to returning to school, Robyn worked at a mid-size Toronto community economic development organization, with a focus on childcare research, grant writing, and evaluation systems. She has served as a board member for a number of nonprofit organizations. She holds a Master of Gender and Social Policy from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and Political Studies from Trent University. When not working, she can be found figure skating, running or hanging out with her wife and two cats.